AT 10.27pm on March 10, three fire engines from Littleborough and Rochdale attended a person’s reported fire in Railway Street, Littleborough.

The fire originated in an upstairs bedroom of the terraced house and crews used six breathing apparatus and two hose reels to deal with the incident.

Following a search of the house, one woman was rescued and taken to hospital where she sadly later died.

Assistant County Fire Officer Leon Parkes said: “This is an incredibly tragic incident where a woman has lost her life. Firefighters worked incredibly hard in what were very challenging conditions to prevent this terrible incident from escalating. With it happening in a row of terrace houses it was important to tackle the fire before it had chance to spread.

“Although it is not yet known how the fire started, fire investigators will continue to work with partners to establish the cause as quickly as possible.

“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are with the woman and her family and friends at this sad time.”

Firefighters remained at the scene throughout the weekend providing fire safety advice to the local community.